Authorities in southeastern Kentucky are in a tense manhunt for a suspect believed responsible for an active shooter situation that left a swath of terror along Interstate 75. Joseph A. Couch, a 32-year-old man from Woodbine, stands accused of firing upon vehicles, causing serious injury to five individuals on Saturday, as WVLT reported.
Law enforcement responded to exit 49 around 5:30 p.m., where they found evidence suggesting Couch, who has a military background in the National Guard, had initiated the attack. After the FBI joined the search, an AR-15 believed to be used in the shootings was discovered in a thick woodland area, making the operation more challenging, according to the Laurel County Sheriff's Office Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, Apprehending the suspect has become a top priority, having bought an AR-15 and roughly 1,000 rounds of ammunition the day of the incident, making the situation more pressing, as Courier-Journal detailed.
Following the chaos, several Kentucky school districts announced Monday closures as a safety precaution, underscoring the gravity of the search. Union Commonwealth University has opted for remote learning among the closed institutions, as law enforcement officers continue scouring the area for any signs of Couch, WBIR reported.
Despite searching his home and recovering various items linked to him, including his vehicle and the AR-15, authorities have not been able to clarify Couch's motives for the shooting. "We have solid evidence. His vehicle was at the scene. A firearm that he purchased yesterday was at the scene," stated Michael E. Stansbury, special agent in charge of the Louisville FBI office, as they have interviewed people who feel fairly certain Couch is the individual responsible for the attack, according to statements Courier-Journal obtained. Laurel County Sheriff John Root has urged Couch to give himself up, assuring the persistence of their search efforts.
With a suspect considered armed and dangerous, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office is advising the public to stay clear of the area and report any information that could assist in locating Couch. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center. Meanwhile, Interstate 75, which was previously shut down due to the incident, has since reopened, as initially reported by WVLT.
